Keep life spicy with this recipe collection that features chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Now you'll never have a half-used can languishing in the back of the fridge again!
30 Ways to Use Up a Can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
1/30
Beef Carnitas
Total Time
8 hours 40 min
Servings
16 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spice mixture
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this beef carnitas recipe while trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. Now I keep the rub in a plastic bag, ready and waiting in my cupboard, and I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 carnita (calculated without optional toppings): 415 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
2/30
Grilled Chipotle Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 5 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for a Cinco de Mayo party, and it was a hit! It’s so easy, yet has a serious wow factor. The creamy dipping sauce mellows out the shrimp’s heat perfectly. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp with 1 teaspoon sauce: 27 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
3/30
Chipotle Shredded Beef
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This beef is delicious whether you serve it all rolled up in a tortilla, with corn salsa in a burrito, in a bun or over rice or mashed potatoes. So many options! —Darcy Williams, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup cooked rice (calculated without optional ingredients): 345 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
4/30
Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
When guests bite into these juicy grilled kabobs, their eyes always widen with satisfaction. Our four kids are crazy about the spicy-sweet sauce. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
5/30
Honey Chipotle Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 515 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
6/30
Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 servings (2/3 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
These extra-special quesadillas take just minutes to make, but you'll want to savor them for as long as possible. Sprinkle the cheesy wedges with chopped fresh cilantro. —Daniel Shemtob, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons sauce: 453 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1118mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
7/30
Chipotle Chili
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick slow-cooker chipotle chili is special to me because it cooks itself while I’m at work. My family and friends love it. It’s really nice served with corn bread. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 343 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
8/30
Corn Bread with a Kick
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says southern cooking like crisp corn bread made in a cast iron skillet. I use a very old skillet that belonged to my great-aunt. It will be passed on for generations. —Geordyth Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 174 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
9/30
Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your Easter celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked ham with 1 tablespoon sauce: 270 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1234mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
10/30
Chipotle Carne Guisada
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chipotle peppers and adobo sauce add smoky heat to tender stewed beef. We serve this hearty dish with tortillas and sometimes rice. —Adrienne Spenrath, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without optional ingredients): 275 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
11/30
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
12/30
Conga Lime Pork
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup pork mixture with 1 muffin and 1/2 cup slaw: 514 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
13/30
Chimichurri Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 336 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
14/30
Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant makes awesome charred tacos that are a lot like these. Their marinade recipe’s a secret, so I invented my own. Light the coals and have them anytime. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 525 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 931mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
15/30
Pulled Pork Sliders
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our favorite pulled pork recipes combines the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these sliders a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
16/30
Slow-Cooker Barbacoa
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband adores this slow-cooker barbacoa simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 513 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
17/30
Machaca Beef Dip Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day food at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 476 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1288mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
18/30
19/30
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this at my son’s graduation party and kept it warm in a slow cooker after roasting it in the oven. The pork is superb by itself or piled high on rolls.
For a classic combo, serve it with warm biscuits and coleslaw. —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup pork mixture: 372 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
20/30
Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy five-ingredient rub. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 246 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
21/30
Spicy Chuck Wagon Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked beans don't get any easier! All you have to do is open some cans, chop an onion, and add a dash (or two) of hot sauce. They'll simmer to perfection in minutes.—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 221 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.
22/30
Peach-Chipotle Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
3 hours
Servings
8 servings (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
My son and I collaborated in the kitchen one day to put our own unique twist on classic baby back ribs. We added a sweet peachy glaze and a little heat with chipotle peppers. It was a great bonding experience, and now we have a keeper recipe for fall-off-the-bone ribs. —Rebecca Suaso, Weaverville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving with 1/4 cup sauce: 788 calories, 48g fat (16g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 1759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.
23/30
Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether canned or homemade, cranberry sauce delivers a healthy dose of vitamins to this dish. A little bit sweet, a little bit smoky, these enchiladas are a delightful way to use leftover chicken or turkey. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 368 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
24/30
Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
25/30
Chipotle Chili Sloppy Joes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband didn't like sloppy joes until he tried my rendition with its smoky heat. If you need to dial down the fiery zip, cut down on or eliminate the peppers. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 313 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
26/30
Chickpea & Chipotle Tostadas
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often take a not-so-healthy dish and create something good for my family. My young twins love colorful meals they can eat with their hands, and this one fits the bill. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 347 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 12g fiber), 12g protein.
27/30
Corn Quesadilla
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My cheesy corn quesadillas take only minutes going from skillet to table. They make craveable leftovers for brown-bag lunches, so pack the salsa too. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges (calculated without guacamole): 380 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
28/30
Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chili with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 368 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
29/30
Chorizo & Chipotle Stuffed Cabbage Cups
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family and friends enjoy Polish recipes, and my hubby loves Mexican, too. I created delicious cabbage rolls that highlight the warm and inviting flavors of both cultures. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 cabbage cups: 521 calories, 37g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
30/30
Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 520 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1216mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
